Fort Bend County Traffic Offense Defense Attorney - Lee Cox

Traffic Offenses in Fort Bend County, Texas

While a traffic violation may seem like a relatively minor offense,
multiple traffic tickets have the potential to affect your driving privileges and
your insurance rates. If youíve gotten a traffic ticket in Fort Bend County for
speeding, reckless driving or other offenses, an experienced
criminal defense attorney can help you protect your driving record.

What is Considered a Traffic Offense in Fort Bend County?

Texas law classifies numerous offenses as traffic violations.
You can receive a traffic ticket in Fort Bend County for any of the following:

Speeding

Reckless driving

Driving without a license

Driving without insurance

Driving without a seatbelt

DWI and DUI

Lane change violations

Violating cell phone laws while driving

Tailgating

Child safety seat violations

Traffic sign violations

Leaving a child unattended

Disobeying traffic signs/signals

Causing an accident involving injury to someone else

Leaving the scene of an accident

Law enforcement officers may ticket motorists for a number of
other offenses and the Texas Department of Public Safety makes frequent updates
and additions to the traffic safety code.

What Are the Penalties for a Traffic Violation?

The punishment for traffic violations range from fines to incarceration,
depending on the type of offense involved. For example, driving while intoxicated
(DWI) is a Class B misdemeanor but if you have a child under the age of 15 in your
vehicle at the time youíre arrested, the charge is elevated to a state jail felony.

The following lists penalties for some of the most common traffic
offenses:

Reckless driving is also a misdemeanor punishable by a $200
fine and/or up to 30 days in county jail.

Causing injury or death in a car accident is a third degree
felony punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

Seat belt violations are punishable by a fine of up to $200.

Leaving a child under the age of seven unattended in a vehicle
for more than five minutes is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor punishable
by a fine.

DWI and DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors but can
become felonies if you have multiple prior convictions for the same violation.

If youíve been cited for a serious traffic violation, such as
DUI, reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter, your
Fort Bend County criminal defense lawyer can discuss the possible penalties
you may face. Your attorney can also help you to fight traffic tickets and get fines
and fees reduced or eliminated entirely.

How Will My Driving Record Be Affected by a Traffic Ticket?

Texas uses a point system for driverís licenses. You receive a
certain number of points against your license every time you commit a traffic violation.
When you reach a certain number of points, your license may be suspended and you
may be subjected to additional penalties.

Here is a brief breakdown of the Texas license point system:

2 points for every moving violation

3 points for every moving violation that results in an accident

Once you have 6 or more points against your license, you may be
subject to suspension, fines and/or incarceration as outlined above.

If your driverís license is suspended, your
Fort Bend County traffic attorney may be to appeal the suspension on your behalf.
You may also be eligible to apply for a restricted license, which would allow you
to drive to work and other selected locations during the suspension period.

What Should I Do if Iím Pulled Over?

If law enforcement is attempting to pull you over, there are several
things you should and shouldnít do to make the traffic stop go as smoothly as possible.
Keeping these tips in mind may help to reduce the penalty or help you avoid one
altogether. Doing the following can protect your rights and ensure your safety.

Reduce speed immediately and use your turn signal to indicate
your intent to pull over. Pull onto the right hand shoulder or a nearby parking
lot. Attempt to stop as safely and as quickly as you can to avoid giving the officer
the impression youíre trying to flee.

Turn your engine off as well as your radio and windshield wipers.

Do NOT get out of the car unless law enforcement instructs you
to do so. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and in plain sight as the officer
approaches. Do not make any sudden movements and do not reach for your glove compartment
or under your seat unless you are told to do so.

Sign the ticket if the officer cites you. Once you receive the
ticket, you have 10 days to either pay the fine or appear in court to contest it.

What Should I Do if Iím Cited for a Traffic Violation in Fort
Bend County?

If youíre cited for a traffic offense or even arrested for a serious
traffic violation, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney
right away. The law office of Lee D. Cox
is available to help those whoíve been charged with traffic crimes protect their
rights.

As a former prosecutor, Lee Cox understands the complexities of
the Texas legal system and can help you establish the best defense for your case.
He will work hard on your behalf to get the best resolution possible for your case.
Depending on the offense with which youíve been charged, he may be able to reduce
or eliminate the penalties entirely.